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Psyllium
Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Generic Available
Canadian Brand Names
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Overdosage/Toxicology
Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
Usual Dosage
Dietary Considerations
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Patient Information
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(SIL i yum)

U.S. Brand Names
Effer-Syllium®[OTC]; Fiberall® Powder [OTC]; Fiberall® Wafer [OTC]; Hydrocil®[OTC]; Konsyl®[OTC]; Konsyl-D®[OTC]; Metamucil®[OTC]; Metamucil® Instant Mix [OTC]; Modane® Bulk [OTC]; Perdiem® Plain [OTC]; Reguloid®[OTC]; Serutan®[OTC]; Syllact®[OTC]; V-Lax®[OTC]

Generic Available

Yes


Canadian Brand Names
Fibrepur®; Novo-Mucilax; Prodiem® Plain

Synonyms
Plantago Seed; Plantain Seed; Psyllium Hydrophilic Mucilloid

Pharmacological Index

Laxative, Bulk-Producing


Use

Treatment of chronic atonic or spastic constipation and of constipation associated with rectal disorders; management of irritable bowel syndrome


Pregnancy Risk Factor

B


Contraindications

Fecal impaction, GI obstruction, hypersensitivity to psyllium or any component


Warnings/Precautions

May contain aspartame which is metabolized in the GI tract to phenylalanine which is contraindicated in individuals with phenylketonuria; use with caution in patients with esophageal strictures, ulcers, stenosis, or intestinal adhesions; elderly may have insufficient fluid intake which may predispose them to fecal impaction and bowel obstruction.


Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%:

Respiratory: Bronchospasm

Miscellaneous: Anaphylaxis upon inhalation in susceptible individuals, rhinoconjunctivitis


Overdosage/Toxicology

Symptoms of overdose include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation


Drug Interactions

Decreased effect of warfarin, digitalis, potassium-sparing diuretics, salicylates, tetracyclines, nitrofurantoin


Mechanism of Action

Adsorbs water in the intestine to form a viscous liquid which promotes peristalsis and reduces transit time


Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: 12-24 hours, but full effect may take 2-3 days

Peak effect: May take 2-3 days

Absorption: Oral: Generally not absorbed following administration, small amounts of grain extracts present in the preparation have been reportedly absorbed following colonic hydrolysis


Usual Dosage

Oral (administer at least 3 hours before or after drugs):

Adults: 1-2 rounded teaspoonfuls or 1-2 packets or 1-2 wafers in 8 oz glass of liquid 1-3 times/day


Dietary Considerations

Should be administered with large amount of fluids


Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported


Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported


Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

No information available to require special precautions


Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No effects or complications reported


Patient Information

Mix in large (8 oz or more) glass of water or juice and drink immediately. Mix carefully; do not inhale powder. Report unresolved or persistent constipation, watery diarrhea, or respiratory difficulty. Pregnancy precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to be pregnant.


Nursing Implications

Inhalation of psyllium dust may cause sensitivity to psyllium (runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing)


Dosage Forms

Granules: 4.03 g per rounded teaspoon (100 g, 250 g); 2.5 g per rounded teaspoon

Powder: Psyllium 50% and dextrose 50% (6.5 g, 325 g, 420 g, 480 g, 500 g)

Powder:

Effervescent: 3 g/dose (270 g, 480 g); 3.4 g/dose (single-dose packets)

Psyllium hydrophilic: 3.4 g per rounded teaspoon (210 g, 300 g, 420 g, 630 g)

Squares, chewable: 1.7 g, 3.4 g

Wafers: 3.4 g


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